The hospital administration has also sought clarifications from three more people. The action was taken based on an August 26 decision of the hospital´s management committee. [break]
On Aug 11, Chham Kumari Bohara, 32, of Shankarnagar-3, Rupandehi, who is a throat cancer patient and was admitted at the hospital for thyroid gland surgery, was instead operated on uterus. Doctors removed her uterus, mistaking her for one Kesh Maya Gurung.
“I personally issued suspension letters to eight people of officer level following the decision of the management committee. The hospital´s executive director issued letters to the others,” said Dr Rameshwar Man Shrestha, chairman of the management committee.
According to the hospital´s regulations, only the management committee chairman can suspend staff of the officer level.
“Among those suspended are doctors and nurses of Ear, Neck, Throat (ENT) department, gynecology department, and technicians of anesthetic department,” said Dr Laxmi Narayan Singh, the executive director of the hospital.
The surgery was conducted by a team led by Dr Jitendra Pariyar of the gynecology department.
The hospital admitted the mistake immediately after the surgery and has formed an internal probe committee. The action was taken based on the committee´s recommendation.
Teams of Medical Council, Nursing Council and Health Ministry are also investigating the incident. Further action will be taken based on reports submitted by these teams as well, Dr Singh said.
Chham Kumari´s husband, who was in the Indian Army, died 12 years ago during Kargil war. She has a 14-year-old daughter. Following the blunder, the hospital sought forgiveness from her relatives and pledged to provide her all further treatments free of cost.
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